BrickBoard Archives
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Increasing performance on a non-turbo engine[200/ALL] posted by Scott on
Wednesday, 28 February 2001, at 1:22 a.m.
I picked up an iPd catalog a month or so ago and it seems that there are several options for increasing the performance of b21/23/230 engines. What I'm most interested in is a hi-flow exhaust and cam upgrade. I'm not sure which setup would be best for my b230f. iPd recommends the "VX" cam and claims a gain of 12hp. They also have a "Street Performance Cam" on pg. 39 for the same price.
First, the prices appear to be reasonable ($189), but will I need to replace other valvetrain components when the new cam goes in? Second, how dramatically are the performance characteristics of the engine changed? Also, what is the difference between the "VX" cam and the street cam?
Looks like the "VX" with their hi-flow exhaust kit would put me at about 132hp. How much more could be gained with a port and polish and 3-angle valve job? How can I safely increase the comp. ratio and avoid pre-ignition? I'm not sure if this would be accomplished by using a headgasket of different thickness, or having the head machined.
Would appreciate insights/stories from folks who have "hopped up" an n/a 240.
Thanks for the great advice. You guys have been extremely helpful!!
Re: Increasing performance on a non-turbo engine[200/ALL] posted by Don Foster on
Wednesday, 28 February 2001, at 5:14 a.m.
I noticed an immediate improvement in power, noise, and vibration when I removed the fan. The very few times I got stuck in traffic and the temp increased, I simply turned on the heater.
An electric fan would be the answer.
Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)
Re: Increasing performance on a non-turbo engine[200/ALL] posted by dick on
Wednesday, 28 February 2001, at 8:10 a.m.
I put a VX cam in my kids B230 and it made a nice power increase, especially for passing. The head job is expensive and doubt if it is worth it. To change exhaust, the big boys say it helps, but never have done one as the original Volvo system is a straight through design. Some have upgraded to a turbo exhaust system which gives an extra 1/4 inch (I think).
Face it, it is tough to get a lot of extra power out of an NA Volvo without emptying your pocket big time. Try Dons idea too. These are relatively inexpensive things to do.
dick
Re: Increasing performance on a non-turbo engine[200/ALL] posted by philip bradley on
Wednesday, 28 February 2001, at 8:53 a.m.
There are a lot of detailed comments on this subject in the archives that you can search for. I would skip the VX3 cam. It usually requires a cam gear to make the car drive really well on the street, and that costs more. Try a Phase One cam from Unitek.
A head and cam package costs a lot (maybe $2000 shipped with a new gasket from Unitek) but can make a big difference. A five angle valve job does yield significant benefits and is not that expensive if the shop has a new Serdi machine. The labor to remove and install the head is expensive.
Philip Bradley
cheap performance boosts[200/ALL] posted by michael steve on
Wednesday, 28 February 2001, at 9:21 a.m.
Now i am aware that i may get flamed for my suggestions, but they work and are cheap, so why not?
Step 1 - Remove fan and install an electric cooling fan- you can wire it to a switch if you like or pick up a relay and temperature sensor that goes in the radiator from your local speed shop. I recommend the relay with both the temp sensor and an override switch on the dash.
Step 2 - advance your base ignition timing about 6 degrees more than stock. disconnect the knock sensor -drive it. If it pings switch to premium gas to avoid knock (and the retarding of the timing by the ECU)- reconnect knock sensor.
Step 3 - Install a high flow K&N air filter, while you have the filter box open, remove it and disable the thermostatic air thing so that you get only fresh cool air to your engine. This will also increase the lifespan of your AMM.
I'm not sure the total cost, it can vary, for me doing all of the above was "free" as I had all the needed parts lying around the garage, except for the air filer which needed replaced at the time anyway. I used two small fans off of two old Mazdas I had parted out, and I always keep a supply of spare relays.
Happy motoring
--michael steve 93 grand cherokee , 89 SAAB 9000cd, recently sold 90 244
Re: Increasing performance on a non-turbo engine[200/ALL] posted by Michael on
Thursday, 1 March 2001, at 1:07 a.m.
The VX3 cam shown on pg.36 is the same as the "street performance cam" listed on pg.39 (the specs are the same, but I don't know why they list it twice). If you decide to get a VX3 cam you probably will need the adj. cam gear. SPG9 lists it for $129 on their site, but I have no idea if they actually have them or not. Another option for a camshaft upgrade that's much cheaper is a K cam, which will give you much better performance at higher rpm while sacrificing low end power. To give you an idea of the price, the last one that sold on ebay went for $41, and prior to that one sold for $71.
I have the IPD sport exhaust on my '87 240 w/B230F engine, and I'm happy with it. I definitely noticed a difference in acceleration after it was installed, especially at higher RPM. The description of the exhaust system in the IPD catalog is exactly as I would describe it, and I would have no problem believing the claim of a 5-6HP increase. I actually wish it was a little louder and a bit deeper sounding.
--Michael -- 1987 244 DL
Volvo Performance Upgrades[200/ALL] posted by Dave Stevens on
Thursday, 1 March 2001, at 4:23 p.m.
You might want to get your hands on a copy of Paul Grimshaw's The Volvo Performance Handbook, 2nd Ed, 1999. Paul is the guy who wrote the famous Gothenburg Bible. You can find out all about it on his website at
Paul Grimshaw's Gothenburg Bible and Volvo Performance Handbook Site"
Be sure to check out the Technical Archives. Some of the information you might want is freely available right there if you poke around a bit.